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The world’s top service oriented Spa’s revealed: Maldives wins again

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One&Only Reethi Rah

Maldives Promotion House – The annual announcement of the World Luxury Spa Awards winners marks the highlight of a year-long search for the very best spas on the global front. Maldives offers number of world class spas and spas from Maldives were among the winners at this year’s awards.

  • One&Only Spa by ESPA Reethi Rah          Best Luxury Wellness Spa – World
  • Talise Spa at Jumeirah Dhevanafushi         Best Luxury Emerging Spa – Indian Ocean
  • Coco Spa Maldives                                        Best Luxury Fitness Spa – Indian Ocean
  • Araamu Spa Maldives                                    Best Luxury Wellness Spa – Indian Ocean
  • One&Only Spa by ESPA Reethi Rah           Best Luxury Beauty Spa – Indian Ocean
  • Six Senses Spa Laamu, Maldives                Best Luxury Emerging Spa – Maldives
  • Six Senses Spa Laamu, Maldives                Best Luxury Destination Spa – Maldives
  • Six Senses Spa Laamu, Maldives                Best Luxury Resort Spa – Maldives
  • Angsana Spa Velavaru Maldives                  Best Luxury Beauty Spa – Maldives

The World Luxury Spa Awards commends and recognise outstanding achievements in service excellence, giving thanks to spas that have excelled. The World Luxury Spa Awards programme reward those spas that have raised the bar of service excellence within a highly competitive industry over the past year. The World Luxury Spa Awards congratulate unsurpassed service excellence and put the spotlight on those spas representing only the finest standards.

The categories awarded in the 2013 World Luxury Spa Awards included Best Luxury Hotel Spa, Best Luxury Mineral Spring Spa, Best Luxury Safari Spa, Best Luxury Emerging Spa, Best Luxury Fitness Spa, Best Luxury Destination Spa, Best Luxury Wellness Spa, Best Luxury Resort Spa, Best Luxury Spa Group, Best Luxury Day Spa, Best Luxury Beauty Spa, Best Luxury Boutique Spa and Best Luxury Medical Spa.

“2012 has been a very interesting year for the spa industry, with many new spa additions and the level of competition where exceptional evident from the calibre of spas being nominated,” says Marinique de Wet, Executive Manager of the World Luxury Spa Awards. “We’ve never received so many nomination entries like we did this year, and it has been a truly thrilling experience to see who eventually came out on top!”

Open to luxury spas in the respective categories, the World Luxury Spa Awards™ are recognized and respected on the global front by the public and media at large and are universally acknowledged as the world’s leading awards initiative for luxury spas. France24 is the proud media partner to the World Luxury Spa Awards.

The winners and finalists were selected by means of an annual voting process where thousands of spa guests worldwide have been given the opportunity to vote online in order to have the fairest judging process possible. Competing spas in 2013 included small sized privately owned spas to globally renowned spa groups.

Official voting closed on the 18th of March and the response and comments from voters were phenomenal. Thousands of votes & feedback came in from across the globe and as a result key brands and independent spas were rewarded for their extraordinary efforts. Award winning spas are announced on a country, continent and global basis.They stood up to the highest expectations and where tested by discerning spa-goers looking for the ultimate experience where only the absolute best is acceptable.

Marinique de Wet, Executive Manager, World Luxury Spa Awards™ said: “The World Luxury Spa Awards™ is the highest accolade a spa can ever hope to receive. For participants the World Luxury Spa Awards™ challenge service excellence and highlight the importance of constant improvement. The Award truly puts the Award winning spas ahead of their peers from a marketing perspective. In addition to the honour, prestige and global exposure of winning a World Luxury Spa Award, winners share in fantastic marketing benefits including online profiles and marketing guides that further build staff moral and maintain credibility.

“Consumers are increasingly using the list of winners and finalists as a reliable guide and means of reassurance when choosing their next spa destination evident from increasing visits to the Awards website”, says de Wet.

“In these tough economic times our spas and wellness retreats have shown their anticipation to succeed and have come out even stronger than before. The World Luxury Spa Awards are there to recognise the very best of the best and raise the bar of service excellence even higher than before”, says Mrs Marinique de Wet. “We are delighted that the Spa Awards has become such an important highlight on the spa industry calendar and we are looking forward to an exciting 2014 registration year ahead”.

Recipients of this prestigious accolade see challenges as opportunities and stay ahead with strategic changes allowing facilities and service to stay on par with global trends. We congratulate all our winners further to this outstanding achievement.”

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Ifuru Island Maldives celebrates 3rd anniversary with fashion, dance and music

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On 1st December 2026, Ifuru Island Maldives will mark its 3rd anniversary with “Global Harmony,” a vibrant celebration of culture, creativity and connection, bringing people together through the universal languages of fashion, dance and music.

Created around the message “Different cultures. One rhythm. One Ifuru.”, Global Harmony celebrates the many cultures, traditions and individual expressions that come together on one island.

The concept recognises that people may come from different countries, speak different languages, follow different traditions and express themselves in different ways, yet when those differences come together, they can create something extraordinary.

For Ifuru Island Maldives, the anniversary is not only an opportunity to celebrate another year. It is a moment to celebrate the people, cultures and shared experiences that continue to shape the spirit of Ifuru.

A Celebration Without Borders

At the heart of Global Harmony will be a creative fusion of fashion, dance and music, with different segments drawing inspiration from cultures, countries and styles from around the world.

Moving beyond the format of a traditional fashion show, the anniversary celebration is envisioned as a continuous performance in which fashion and movement become part of the same story.

Models will take to the stage in looks inspired by different parts of the world, with each fashion sequence transitioning naturally into a dance performance reflecting the culture, energy or character represented.

A traditional inspired look may lead into cultural movement, which can then evolve into a contemporary or fusion performance. As the evening progresses, individual styles and influences will begin to merge, building towards one collective finale.

The result will be a visual representation of the idea behind Global Harmony: different cultures and different styles finding one rhythm together.

Different Cultures. One Rhythm.

The 3rd anniversary theme reflects the international spirit of island life.

Every day, people from different backgrounds meet at Ifuru Island. Guests, team members, friends and partners each bring their own stories, traditions, personalities and experiences.

Global Harmony turns that diversity into the centrepiece of the anniversary celebration.

Rather than presenting cultures separately, the concept focuses on the beauty that emerges when they interact. Fashion becomes movement, movement follows music, and individual performances gradually become one shared celebration.

The finale will bring the different cultural and creative influences together, symbolising unity without losing individuality.

It is a message that feels particularly meaningful for Ifuru: people do not need to be the same to belong together.

Celebrating the Spirit of One Ifuru

The 3rd anniversary on 1st December will celebrate not only Ifuru Island’s journey, but also the community that has grown alongside it.

From memorable holidays and celebrations to friendships and shared island moments, the anniversary provides an opportunity to reflect on the experiences that have become part of Ifuru’s story while looking forward to those still to come.

Through Global Harmony, the island will celebrate not simply another year, but the connections created along the way.

Against the natural backdrop of the Maldives, fashion, dance and music will come together to create an anniversary experience filled with colour, energy, movement and cultural expression.

As each individual performance becomes part of something bigger, the evening will ultimately return to one simple message: “Different cultures. One rhythm. One Ifuru.”

EVENT DETAILS

  • Celebration: Ifuru Island Maldives 3rd Anniversary
  • Theme: Global Harmony
  • Date: 1 December 2026
  • Location: Ifuru Island Maldives
  • Concept: A fusion of cultural fashion, dance and music
  • Tagline: “Different cultures. One rhythm. One Ifuru.”

Further details on the anniversary programme, performances and entertainment will be announced closer to the celebration.

Set amid the natural beauty of the Maldives, Ifuru Island Maldives brings together island living, dining, entertainment and memorable experiences in a destination shaped by freedom, connection and discovery.

With guests and team members from different parts of the world coming together on one island, Ifuru celebrates individuality, shared experiences and the connections that turn an island holiday into something more meaningful.

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Hideaway Beach Resort announces six-course dining experience with Chef Kanji Kobayashi

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This November, Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa will welcome acclaimed Japanese Chef Kanji Kobayashi, owner-chef of Villa Aida in Wakayama Prefecture, for two exclusive evenings celebrating the artistry, seasonality and refined traditions of Japanese cuisine.

Taking place on 10 and 14 November 2026, the intimate culinary experience will feature a meticulously crafted six-course fine dining menu, offering guests the opportunity to discover Chef Kanji’s distinctive approach to Japanese gastronomy in the spectacular surroundings of Hideaway.

At the heart of Chef Kanji’s culinary philosophy is a deep respect for nature and the Japanese tradition of appreciating ingredients at their finest moment. Each course will showcase carefully selected seasonal produce through refined techniques and elegant presentation, creating a harmonious journey of flavour, texture and craftsmanship.

From delicately prepared seafood to thoughtfully composed signature creations, the menu will bring together authentic Japanese culinary traditions with Chef Kanji’s contemporary expression. Each dish will reflect a balance between simplicity and sophistication, allowing the character and seasonality of the ingredients to take centre stage.

The exclusive dinners form part of Hideaway’s commitment to creating exceptional gastronomic experiences, bringing distinguished culinary talent to its private island retreat in Haa Alifu Atoll. Against a backdrop of pristine beaches, lush tropical surroundings and the Indian Ocean, the evenings promise an intimate celebration of food and artistry.

With a limited number of seats available on each evening, advance reservations are highly recommended.

For gourmands, admirers of Japanese cuisine and travellers seeking an extraordinary addition to their Maldivian escape, Chef Kanji Kobayashi’s six-course dining experience at Hideaway promises two memorable evenings where seasonality, craftsmanship and Japanese culinary heritage come together in paradise.

Nestled within the lush tropical vegetation of Dhonakulhi Island, Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa offers an exceptional island escape where luxury, privacy and personalised hospitality come together. With a diverse collection of restaurants and bars offering exquisite international cuisine and intimate private dining experiences, the resort caters to every culinary preference. Beyond gastronomy, guests can enjoy an extensive range of recreational activities, including tennis, padel, pickleball, golf, diving and exhilarating watersports, complemented by rejuvenating treatments at Hideaway Spa. Surrounded by pristine white-sand beaches, turquoise lagoons and abundant natural beauty, Hideaway places guest happiness at the heart of every experience, ensuring that each stay is filled with memorable moments, thoughtful service and endless opportunities to explore, unwind and indulge.

For bookings, please click here.

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Dusit brings ‘Ocean Carnival’ and ‘Reef & Rhythm’ festive celebrations to Maldives

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This festive season, Dusit Hotels and Resorts invites travellers to experience two distinctive celebrations in the Maldives, united by a shared source of inspiration: the ocean.

At Dusit Thani Maldives, the festive season comes to life through Ocean Carnival, a joyful celebration inspired by the colour, movement and wonder of the underwater world.

Meanwhile, dusitD2 Feydhoo Maldives turns up the island energy with Reef & Rhythm, where the ocean meets music, flavour, culture and celebration. Together, the two programmes offer different interpretations of the festive season while sharing the warmth of Dusit’s Thai-inspired gracious hospitality and the natural beauty of the Maldives.

“While Dusit Thani Maldives and dusitD2 Feydhoo Maldives each have their own distinctive character, both are deeply connected to the ocean and the spirit of the Maldives,” said Jean-Louis Ripoche, Area General Manager, Dusit Hotels & Resorts in the Maldives. “With Ocean Carnival and Reef & Rhythm, we wanted to create two festive experiences that reflect the personality of each resort while sharing the same sense of celebration, connection and discovery. Whether guests are looking for a vibrant island atmosphere or a more tranquil escape surrounded by nature, we look forward to welcoming them to celebrate this special time of year with us.”

Two islands, one ocean-inspired celebration

Located on Mudhdhoo Island in Baa Atoll, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Dusit Thani Maldives sets the scene for a festive escape surrounded by a vibrant house reef and the tranquillity of its natural island setting. Its Ocean Carnival programme brings together festive dining, family activities, wellness experiences and live entertainment, culminating in a spectacular New Year’s Eve celebration on the beach.

Just seven minutes by speedboat from Velana International Airport, dusitD2 Feydhoo Maldives offers a different rhythm. The lifestyle-focused, Premium All-Inclusive resort embraces its playful character with Reef & Rhythm, bringing together pool parties, beachfront dining, live bands, DJs, cultural experiences, family adventures and celebrations beneath the stars.

Ocean Carnival at Dusit Thani Maldives

The celebrations at Dusit Thani Maldives begin with the lighting of the Christmas tree at Sand Bar on 21 December, setting the stage for a programme of memorable island experiences.Festive highlights include a beachfront Lobster BBQ, a lively Bartender Flairing Show, Santa’s arrival on Christmas morning, and an elegant Christmas Family Set Dinner at Sea Grill.

The programme continues between Christmas and New Year with a pool party and the resort’s Jungle Night, transforming Coconut Grove into an immersive tropical setting with a playful Jurassic twist, BBQ dining, entertainment and the unmistakable rhythm of Maldivian Boduberu.

The season reaches its crescendo on 31 December. Guests will begin the evening with a New Year’s Eve cocktail reception before Market Beach transforms for the Ocean Carnival New Year’s Eve Gala Dinner & Party. A lavish gala buffet will be accompanied by live music, DJs and entertainment inspired by the movement and magic of the ocean, before a midnight fireworks display welcomes 2027 beneath the Maldivian sky.

Celebrations continue into the New Year, including an authentic Thai Street Food Market at Benjarong on 3 January, accompanied by a traditional Thai dance performance.

Feel the Reef & Rhythm at dusitD2 Feydhoo Maldives

At dusitD2 Feydhoo Maldives, Reef & Rhythm follows the pulse of island life, with music and entertainment woven throughout the festive programme.

The season officially begins on 10 December with a sunset Christmas Cocktail Soirée and Tree Lighting Ceremony at SOI Beach. Christmas Eve brings a beachfront festive feast at Baraveli followed by live performances, Christmas celebrations and an LED party, while Christmas Day begins with Santa’s arrival before moving into a day of poolside music, beach games and tropical festivities.

Food takes centre stage throughout the season with experiences ranging from Streets of Thailand to Seafood, Sax & Champagne, an evening of fresh seafood, sparkling champagne and live saxophone melodies by the beach.

Maldivian culture also plays an important role in Reef & Rhythm. The resort’s Discover the 26 Atolls of the Maldives experience brings local traditions to life through arts and crafts, cultural performances and the rhythms of the islands.

Families can slow the pace with Cinema Under the Stars, while evenings across the resort feature an ever- changing soundtrack of live bands, DJs, solo singers, saxophone performances and visual shows.

On 31 December, SOI Beach becomes the heart of the celebration for the Reef & Rhythm New Year’s Eve Gala. Beginning with a sunset saxophone performance, the evening progresses through an international gala, live music and stage entertainment before the countdown to 2027. A DJ-led after-party then carries the celebration into the early hours of the New Year.

Celebrate the Maldives, your way

While each resort brings its own character to the festive season, both celebrations share a common spirit: bringing people together through memorable dining, music, culture and experiences shaped by their island surroundings.

For travellers seeking a vibrant, social and contemporary celebration close to Malé, Reef & Rhythm at dusitD2 Feydhoo Maldives delivers a festive season filled with energy from morning until late into the night.

For those drawn to the natural beauty and laid-back luxury of Baa Atoll, Ocean Carnival at Dusit Thani Maldives offers an immersive festive escape where celebration, discovery and connection unfold against one of the Maldives’ most remarkable ocean settings.

From reef to rhythm, and from carnival colour to celebrations beneath the stars, Dusit invites guests to end 2026 and begin the New Year surrounded by the ocean.

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